The best shops in Tribeca tend to focus on upscale clothing and design, but you'll also find a smattering of quirky one-offs.

Local retail reflects the affluent demographic in this celeb-heavy part of town. After perusing our list of the best shops in the nabe, browse designer basics at Nili Lotan and Christina Lehr, classy tableware fit for only the best restaurants at showroom-shop Korin, and mystery novels at one of our favorite specialty bookstores in the city, Mysterious Bookshop.

Rugged wooden crates display colorful bags ($78–$398), while built-in racks are hung with house-brand men’s wax-coated jackets ($348–$590). A peg board shows off all the gear and tools you’ll need for outdoor survival, including handsome axes ($135–$350) that are heated and shaped by four-generation axe makers in Maine, then painted and finished locally in the NYC studio. Stock up on everyday essentials, such as wool throws ($196), Randolph Engineering aviators ($229), nature-centric how-to books ($6–$375) and solid-color cotton tees ($38). Check back often, as one new item is added weekly.

This showroom finally welcomed the public in 2002, allowing anyone to snag Japanese- and Western-style knives ($30–$5,800) and specialty tablewares ($2–$600), like a plum-shaped soy sauce dish ($4). One of the highlights of the high-ceilinged space, lined with Japanese Shoji sliding wooden doors, is the opportunity to watch house knife master Chirau Sugai sharpen customers’ cutters (the service costs $15–$25) in a glass room. Sugai also offers free sharpening demo classes (Tue, Sat 2pm; reservations required), but before you get in on the action, score Misono Swedish steel knives with dragon graphics engraved on the blades ($65–$210) or Togiharu hammered-texture steel knives ($50–$150).

Devotees of mystery, crime and spy genres will know owner Otto Penzler, both as an editor and from his book recommendations on Amazon.com. His shop holds a wealth of paperbacks, hardbacks and autographed first editions.

Inside this designer’s hybrid store and studio, you’ll find wardrobe staples like solid scoop-neck tanks ($195) and V-neck camisoles with spaghetti straps ($195) alongside trendier garb, such as floor-length washed-charmeuse silk skirts ($395). In a nod to her New York clientele, most pieces come in dark-hued solids; prints are almost nonexistent, save for ruffled silk camo skirts ($265) and men’s button-down shirts ($285) adorned with checks and stripes. You’ll also find that many garments—like a timeless motorcycle jacket with asymmetrical zippers ($480)—have a faded look, achieved through a complex process of repeated washing, followed by a softening treatment.

An offshoot of designer Roberta Freymann’s eponymous women’s clothing label, this resort-inspired clothing and home line gets a second NYC location (the first is on the Upper East Side). The whimsical collection is made in India and includes men’s and women’s garments, accessories, linens and furniture. Ladies can find patterned-canvas satchels ($125) and breezy tuniclike kurtas ($85–$145), while men can nab playful fish-print button-up shirts ($85) and swim trunks ($85) decorated with monkeys. Venture to the small, chandelier-lit back room to pick up beaded bags ($125–$275), bib necklaces ($125–$225) and cozy capes ($195–$295).

For Michigan-designed and -manufactured watches ($475–$725), handcrafted bicycles ($1,950–$2,950), leather wallets ($125–$250) and journals ($7–$20), check out this shop-café hybrid. The two-story boutique is the first NYC location for the Detroit brand, which shares space with the Smile newsstand and café, brewing up Plowshare coffee ($2–$5) and serving pastries and sweets ($2–$5) on the ground floor. Mixing the industrial feel of the Motor City and NYC history, the store is decorated with cool antiques, including a 1930s bronze map that used to hang in Rockefeller Center.

Steven Alan's Tribeca flagship boasts a multitude of boutique brands for men and women, including cult-inducing Rag & Bone, Band of Outsiders and Engineered Garments in addition to its bevy of handbags, accessories and shoes.